Scout Notes
23 July 2016 1473 comments
Paul Paul
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Henrikh Mkhitaryan bags his first goal for United in a 4-1 loss to Borussia Dortmund. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain earns Arsenal a draw in Lens, Victor Janssen and Michy Batshuayi open their accounts for Spurs and Chelsea and Salomon Rondon nets as the Baggies see off Vitesse.

Borussia Dortmund 4 Man United 1

Henrikh Mkhitaryan netted his first goal for United as Jose Mourinho’s side were well beaten by Dortmund in Shanghai.

After featuring as a number 10 against Wigan on his debut, the Armenian international started on the left before swapping flanks with Adnan Januzaj later in the first half. Juan Mata – who was afforded the central support role behind Memphis Depay, then Marcus Rashford after the break – supplied the assist for Mkhitaryan’s consolation.

Luke Shaw and Antonio Valencia were fielded as full-backs and the latter continued to build up his fitness by playing the full 90 minutes along with new boy Eric Bailly. Mainly utilised as a centre-half by Louis van Gaal, Daley Blind partnered Ander Herrera in central midfield, allowing Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo to be handed 45 minutes each alongside Bailly in the heart of the back-four.

With a number of his first-team still yet to participate in the summer action, Mourinho was unconcerned over the result:

“At the moment, I’m not even creating a team. So many players are not here. We’re creating individuals’ form and trying to bring these players to a good condition. For the new signings and all of the players, they had a chance to play 45, 70 or 90 minutes. It’s very, very important and I can imagine it will take a long time to recover from this effort in the game. In this weather, in reality, at this stage of pre-season for them individually it’s good.”

Man United XI: Johnstone (Romero 46), Valencia (Pereira 75), Bailly, Jones (Rojo 46), Shaw, Blind (McNair 66), Herrera, Mata, Mkhitaryan (Januzaj 66), Lingard (Young 46), Depay (Rashford 46).

Lens 1 Arsenal 1

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain netted the Gunners’ equaliser in a 1-1 stalemate in Lens last night.

In his first appearance for five months, the fit-again midfielder chipped in after being teed up by fellow substitute Serge Gnabry with just nine minutes remaining.

With many of his regulars still yet to return to training due to the recent Euro 2016 tournament, Arsene Wenger’s side contained just one of last season’s guaranteed starters, left-back Nacho Monreal.

The likes of Per Mertesacker, Francis Coquelin, Mohamed Elneny, Theo Walcott and Alex Iwobi (who was handed the central support role) were also named in the XI, with Walcott seeing a goal ruled out for offside.

Given that this was their first match of the summer, it was no surprise to see Wenger make numerous changes over the course of the second period, with only Mertesacker, Coquelin and Callum Chambers afforded the full 90 minutes to step up their fitness.

Arsenal XI: Martinez (Macey 46); Debuchy (Bielik 46), Mertesacker, Chambers, Monreal (Gibbs 46); Elneny (Campbell 46), Coquelin; Walcott (Zelalem 77), Iwobi (Willock 77), Reine-Adelaide (Oxlade-Chamberlain 46), Akpom (Gnabry 46).

Vitesse 1 West Brom 2

Salomon Rondon and Callum McManaman grabbed a goal apiece as the Baggies registered a second successive victory on Thursday evening.

Tony Pulis handed Jonny Evans and Gareth McAuley their first taste of action after the duo returned to the fold a little later than usual due to their exertions for Northern Ireland in Euro 2016. The pair were afforded just over 45 minutes apiece in a match that saw the Baggies boss make ten second-half changes, with only Craig Dawson playing from start to finish.

Jonathan Leko recovered from the knock that saw him miss the previous friendly against Kidderminster Harriers to take up the left flank berth in a 4-2-3-1, with new boy Matt Phillips again starting on the opposite wing. The youngster terrorised the Vitesse defence and drew a foul that led to Rondon’s opener courtesy of a 25-yard free-kick.

McManaman also staked a claim for minutes out wide, though – emerging from the bench as a replacement for Leko early in the second period, he produced an eye-catching winner as Pulis’ side scored twice for the second match running.

West Brom XI: Foster (Myhill 45); Dawson, McAuley (Fitzwater 48), Olsson (Wilson 48), Evans (McClean 48); Fletcher (Field 48), Yacob (Gardner 48); Phillips (Roberts 48), Morrison (Berahino 48), Leko (McManaman 48); Rondon (Lambert 48).

Atus Ferlach 0 Chelsea 8

Loic Remy bagged a hat-trick, whilst new boy Michy Batshuayi and Pedro both netted twice in a behind-closed doors friendly against local Austrian outfit Atus Ferlach on Thursday.

Antonio Conte once again lined his side up in a 4-2-4 formation, with Ruben Loftus-Cheek utilised as a central striker – the youngster bagged a couple of assists, whilst Juan Cuadrado also earned an assist in an impressive second-half showing on the flank. John Obi Mikel was also in the goals thanks to a deflected effort.

Conte made six changes at the break as he afforded a number of players who joined up with the squad this week – including Pedro, Batshuayi and Cesc Fabregas – crucial pitch time.

Chelsea first half XI: Blackman, Azpilicueta, Miazga, Hector, Baba Rahman, Kenedy, Mikel, Chalobah, Atsu, Loftus-Cheek, Remy.

Chelsea second half XI: Blackman, Cuevas, Cahill, Miazga (Chalobah), Baba, Cuadrado, Fabregas, Mikel, Pedro, Loftus-Cheek (Remy), Batshuayi.

Tottenham 3 Rotherham 1

Vincent Janssen grabbed his first goal for Spurs in a behind-closed-doors friendly win over Rotherham on Thursday afternoon.

Tottenham’s summer signing was supplied by right-back Kieran Trippier to level matters after his side went behind before youngsters Shayon Harrison and Marcus Edwards (who also supplied an assist) found the net to secure a 3-1 win.

Although the club’s official website didn’t list a full starting XI, they did reveal that first-team squad players such as Victor Wanyama, Nacer Chadli, Heung-min Son and Ryan Mason were all handed a run-out as Spurs prepare to fly to Australia to face Juventus and Atletico Madrid next week.

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  1. bigbudgie
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Hi all
    Budgie needs feedback from FPLs finest!

    Foster Jak
    Azpi Shaw Evans Souare Friend (last three rotating - so not always a WBA double up)
    KDB Mkhit Fabregas Feghouli 4.5
    Aguero Costa 6.5 (undecided but leaning towards Wilson)

    What do we reckon? Happy to feedback your teams too, of course *doffs cap*

    1. KingOllie
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Perhaps Tadic/Siggy/Ayew/Arnie for fab? I dont think u need 2 chelsea and hes gonna be playing in the pivot

      1. bigbudgie
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Yeah...fair point...that 7.5 position is an annoyance.

    2. TK74
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      I would go with Martial over Mikhi. Also there is too much chelsea. I would drop either costa or fabregas. Lukaku isn't a bad buy with his plump fixtures.

    3. TK74
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Also, no city is gonna hurt.

      1. TheSteel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Kun leaving?

      2. bigbudgie
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        so add to KDB and Kun then?

    4. Parm
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Hi buddy;

      Defence looks good, not big on either Friend or Souaré, would downgrade one of those to a £4.0m defender, as with Azpilicueta and Shaw you'll probably only be needing one more starter from your other three spots each week.

      de Bruyne, Mkhitaryan are good picks, i'd get rid of Fábregas for one of Ayew/Sigurdsson(look at their first two games), Feghouli's stats look terrible at Valencia, would consider someone like Gradel over him.

      Your 6.5m forward, maybe Austin?

      1. bigbudgie
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        all solid advice Parm. Shaw and Azpi start every week, the other three positions are for 4.5 rotaters. Point taken though. Looked at Ayew and Siggy but I'm not keen until I know Siggy is staying for sure. Will look at that 5.5 position. Somehow stretching to Redmond at SOU is interesting to me. I had Long as the 6.5. If we see Saints playing 2 up top then Austin is definitely interesting too

        1. Parm
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          I like the structure though, Dudgie, as with all these early drafts, there are a lot of permutations and you'll have to wait for it all to unfold and hope you make the right decision. Good luck.

  2. Mane Of Steel
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Ayew 😉

    1. Mane Of Steel
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      OOP 😉 😉 😉

      1. TheSteel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        This is the appeal of choosing him over the other 7.0 - 7.5 options such as Siggy, Tadic etc.

      2. jay01
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        what do you mean?

        1. Piggs Boson
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          Out Of Position

          1. jay01
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            what is he playing in strike?

            1. Piggs Boson
              • 14 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              Yes

  3. Pete Campbell
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Lost on last page:

    Valdes/Stecklenburg

    Baines/Azpi/VVD/Francis/Pieters

    Silva/Sigs/Redmond/Shaqiri/Antonio

    Aguero/Lukaku/Gray

    Very eager for my first RMT of the season!

    1. TheSteel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Looks good. Full of "differentials" if there even are any at this point. Could use some United

    2. Hulk Smash
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Problem is only 1 of your midfielders is top dog at his club (Siggy).

      City have KDB, Southampton have Tadic, Stoke have Arnautovic and West Ham have Payet.

  4. lukaku10
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Do we think Negredo will be on pens for boro ?

    Tnks

    1. Mark-O
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Who is the current pens taker (based on 15/16 championship)?

      1. Christina.
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Leadbitter.

    2. MikeyBoro
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Possibly. Depends on Leadbitter/Downing playtime.

  5. Arctic monkeys
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    So can Gray be a way to Leicester' attack if Mahrez goes ? He is at 5m.

  6. Jay_
      9 years, 6 months ago

      I wonder if Root and Bairstow are still batting at say 5.30 and Root was say 270 not out, would England declare or give him a chance of the record?

      1. Richd
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        The all time record?

        Surely they have to declare and win the game.

        1. Richd
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          Although the more fun option is to play on of course 😉

      2. Jazz!
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Tell Root to play T20 mode

      3. BENOIT
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        They'll declare way for before thay

    • Richd
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Membership re-actived.

      Team done.

      Hello all!

      1. Jay_
          9 years, 6 months ago

          Hello mate

        • TheSteel
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          Good move

        • Mr. Blonde
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          It feels good!

      2. Mark-O
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Nolito or Silva - choose one if you had to play in fantasy and why?

        Assume you are a poor bloke who can't afford KDB now. No Sterling and Navas!

        1. Worzel Gummidge
            9 years, 6 months ago

            Nolito.

          • Pete Campbell
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            Silva imo

          • Blame the Ref
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            Silva, but I wouldn't have either

            1. Mark-O
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              Why neither?

              1. Blame the Ref
                • 10 Years
                9 years, 6 months ago

                I've found in the past that points are spread fairly evenly in City midfield, so Aguero is enough City attacking cover for me

          • TK74
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            Silva. He is a proven asset for city. The fact that they cost the same is crazy.

          • Phnom_Penh_Andy
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            I wouldn't consider any beyond Aguero and KdB. Need to see how Josep sets up his midfield first.

        2. oghash
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          Bemba da, still here?

          1. U n I t e d
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            What was the code for that league you posted mate, can't find where I saw you post it....the £30 one?

        3. jay01
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          Callum Wilson or Negredo?

          1. FrankieTheGent
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            Season ticker says Negredo

        4. BB-8
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          Higuain to Juventus. 79mil £ is just silly money. Napoli are the real winners in this Higuain-Pogba saga.

          1. Davido989
            • 15 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            No, Juventus are.

            1. BB-8
              • 9 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              Spending 4/5th's of the Pogba money on a 29 year old isn't smart imho.

              1. Davido989
                • 15 Years
                9 years, 6 months ago

                Getting Pogba for free, selling him for £100m and signing an elite striker is very smart. They could well win the CL.

                1. BB-8
                  • 9 Years
                  9 years, 6 months ago

                  They could, but that doesn't justify that price tag.

          2. TheSteel
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            He scored 38 league goals or something. In today's market, it is completely justified.

            1. BB-8
              • 9 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              Today's market is ridiculous. That's the point. 2 years back Arsenal got Alexis for 35m, today he would be selling for 80.

              1. TheSteel
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 13 Years
                9 years, 6 months ago

                Yes, i agree the market is ridiculous.

            2. TK74
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              Serie A goals though. Crap league.

              1. TheSteel
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 13 Years
                9 years, 6 months ago

                Oh, you mean the league he will be playing in again this year? 😀

          3. Worzel Gummidge
              9 years, 6 months ago

              Juventus and Napoli win here I think. Man U getting mugged off but it is their money to waste I suppose.

            • 12 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            This is a decent piece on 3-way defender rotations

            https://mathematicallysafe.wordpress.com/2016/07/15/fpl-strategy-three-rotating-budget-defenders/

            1. FrankieTheGent
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              I need this cos right now i'm staring at
              Shaw; Monreal; Azpi; PVA; Pieters

            2. Phnom_Penh_Andy
              • 9 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              Read it a couple of days ago, thought it was superb advice, and then went and completely ignored it as I feel my back line is the dog's .... 😉

            3. Jay_
                9 years, 6 months ago

                Great stuff that, I'm on his favoured combo (Friend/Taylor/Kone) with Foster and a 4.0

                1. Jay_
                    9 years, 6 months ago

                    Souare not Kone

                2. Davido989
                  • 15 Years
                  9 years, 6 months ago

                  Thanks for posting this Balders. Just reassures my defence further. 🙂

              • Richd
                • 13 Years
                9 years, 6 months ago

                So is the consensus to go Zlatan AND Mkhit?

                Maybe the differential/gamble is to go with neither ..

                1. TheSteel
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 13 Years
                  9 years, 6 months ago

                  Martial over Mhiki personally. But that might be a mistake

                2. Winston.
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 12 Years
                  9 years, 6 months ago

                  No

                3. Blame the Ref
                  • 10 Years
                  9 years, 6 months ago

                  I'm going Zlatan only - more easy to downgrade in a few weeks than to try to bring him in

                4. Worzel Gummidge
                    9 years, 6 months ago

                    No interested in either of them. Rooney for me will benefit most of all.

                5. Villa Velour
                  • 10 Years
                  9 years, 6 months ago

                  Anything which could be assessed with this team? Any help is appreciated, thanks.

                  Heaton (Foster);
                  Shaw, Walker, Friend (Naylor, Francis);
                  Townsend, Hazard, Ayew, Martial (Capoue);
                  Kun, Lukaku, Gray

                  1. Blame the Ref
                    • 10 Years
                    9 years, 6 months ago

                    Not sure about Martial, looks good otherwise

                6. Winston.
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 12 Years
                  9 years, 6 months ago

                  Would you prefer A or B?

                  A. Alli and Townsend
                  B. Willian/Fabs and Tadic

                  Willian and Tadic probably on set pieces and corners...
                  Thanks!

                  1. Villa Velour
                    • 10 Years
                    9 years, 6 months ago

                    Tough one but with fixtures probably B, and Willian over Fab if he is to play in the pivot.

                  2. Blame the Ref
                    • 10 Years
                    9 years, 6 months ago

                    A, but unsure about Alli

                    1. Winston.
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 12 Years
                      9 years, 6 months ago

                      Thanks all

                7. Paganoi
                  • 11 Years
                  9 years, 6 months ago

                  Deulofeu and Mirallas looking lively

                8. The Mighty Whites
                  • 11 Years
                  9 years, 6 months ago

                  Thoughts on Negredo @ 6.5?

                  1. Oooof
                    • 10 Years
                    9 years, 6 months ago

                    Not done much for two years.

                9. Parm
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 14 Years
                  9 years, 6 months ago

                  6: GOAL!! @AyewAndre opens the scoring for the #Swans with a stunning free-kick into the top corner. 1-0.

                  1. TheSteel
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 13 Years
                    9 years, 6 months ago

                    All aboard!!!

                  2. Paganoi
                    • 11 Years
                    9 years, 6 months ago

                    Choo choooo

                  3. Piggs Boson
                    • 14 Years
                    9 years, 6 months ago

                    I wish he would keep quiet.

                    1. Phnom_Penh_Andy
                      • 9 Years
                      9 years, 6 months ago

                      Aye, me too. I'm one of the 7% 😉

                    2. Parm
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 14 Years
                      9 years, 6 months ago

                      And that Mirallas guy, who I also have now, as well as Vardy. I hate you.

                    3. ZLATAN'S PONYTAIL
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 10 Years
                      9 years, 6 months ago

                      This

                10. AlCapwnUK
                  • 12 Years
                  9 years, 6 months ago

                  Mahrez to Arsenal...could be the pick for the start of the season if Ozil/Sanchez are expected to miss the first couple

                  1. Blame the Ref
                    • 10 Years
                    9 years, 6 months ago

                    Arsenal have poor first few fixtures, I'd wait until after international break to bring him in

                    1. AlCapwnUK
                      • 12 Years
                      9 years, 6 months ago

                      i think this is probably true.
                      And we will have options of Ozil/Sanchez as well

                      1. Blame the Ref
                        • 10 Years
                        9 years, 6 months ago

                        Will give time to allow us to know how Wenger plans to use him and how he gels in the Arsenal team, if indeed he does go.

                  2. Davido989
                    • 15 Years
                    9 years, 6 months ago

                    In Moreno's pocket. Again.

                  3. Phnom_Penh_Andy
                    • 9 Years
                    9 years, 6 months ago

                    Yeh, but that's the problem. Faced with Mahrez, Ozil and Sanchez, who do you choose???????

                11. palace ash
                  • 16 Years
                  9 years, 6 months ago

                  Ayew essential!

                12. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
                  • 15 Years
                  9 years, 6 months ago

                  anyone got this ayew guy in their team?

                  1. oghash
                    • 10 Years
                    9 years, 6 months ago

                    Are you still looking for a money league to join?

                    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
                      • 15 Years
                      9 years, 6 months ago

                      I am considering yes, have you got any which are worth joining

                      Just got to sort out money first

                      1. oghash
                        • 10 Years
                        9 years, 6 months ago

                        Yes mate. This one has been running for several years so totally safe. 30 quid to enter and you can win in 4 different ways (2 x cups, 1 x normal league, 1 x mini h2h league) so quite easy to get your money back at least.

                        Good fun, good aspect with the relegation / promotion aspect.

                        I've been in it a couple of years.

                        http://Www.fantasy-challenge.co.uk

                        1. oghash
                          • 10 Years
                          9 years, 6 months ago

                          30 quid entry

                  2. Phnom_Penh_Andy
                    • 9 Years
                    9 years, 6 months ago

                    Yup

                    1. Phnom_Penh_Andy
                      • 9 Years
                      9 years, 6 months ago

                      sorry, that's to Bemba

                  3. Blame the Ref
                    • 10 Years
                    9 years, 6 months ago

                    I have now

                13. Paganoi
                  • 11 Years
                  9 years, 6 months ago

                  Goal Mirallas

                14. lukaku10
                  • 9 Years
                  9 years, 6 months ago

                  So many 6.5m strikers to choose from.

                  who's the best ?

                  1 long
                  2 wilson
                  3 gray
                  4 negredo
                  5 austin
                  6 carroll
                  7 rondon

                  Tnks

                  1. Oooof
                    • 10 Years
                    9 years, 6 months ago

                    Wilson for me

                  2. AlCapwnUK
                    • 12 Years
                    9 years, 6 months ago

                    If it becomes clear that Austin is starting I might go for him.
                    Otherwise between Long and Negredo.
                    Those Middlesborough opening fixtures look tasty

                  3. Worzel Gummidge
                      9 years, 6 months ago

                      I would not be interested in any of those apart from 1/5 tbh

                  4. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
                    • 15 Years
                    9 years, 6 months ago

                    Mirallas 1-0

                  5. Richd
                    • 13 Years
                    9 years, 6 months ago

                    It looks like a lot of member stats are now available on fpl itself?!

                    Did fpl copy, or did FFS sellout?

                    Disappointing..

                  6. Piggs Boson
                    • 14 Years
                    9 years, 6 months ago

                    Well, there goes my Mirallas diff 😆

                  7. palace ash
                    • 16 Years
                    9 years, 6 months ago

                    So no free kicks for Baines???

                    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
                      • 15 Years
                      9 years, 6 months ago

                      not worth 5.5 if no fk or pens

                    2. Parm
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 14 Years
                      9 years, 6 months ago

                      Well, depends on which side it was, you see.

                    3. AlCapwnUK
                      • 12 Years
                      9 years, 6 months ago

                      the rule used to be "don't ge Baines when Mirallas is playing"

                      Looks like a good rule to me

                  8. Every Dog Has Its Day
                    • 11 Years
                    9 years, 6 months ago

                    GOAL! And it's a cracker. Kevin Mirallas fires in a free-kick from 25 yards! #evertontvlive

                  9. Davido989
                    • 15 Years
                    9 years, 6 months ago

                    Deulofeu close. Mirallas on corners

                  10. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
                    • 15 Years
                    9 years, 6 months ago

                    Andre Gray 1-0 Burnley